Taking Calc and Physics Together: Is it Possible?

[_Tully]

Is it possible to take these classes in tandem and understand the material in Calc. Based Physics? I took Calc. in high school, along with Physics, but that was 6+ years ago. I have reviewed and have a good understanding of Calc. again at this point, but I would like to consider this situation as if I hypothetically had no Calc., even though that may sound strange.

 

[Null_]

I am right now, and it's going very well. Calc I is a prerequisite for Physics I at my school, but I took AP Calc AB in high school and placed into Calc II. As long as you brush up on things as you come across them, you should be fine unless you forgot what a derivative is. If that's the case, self-study calc until the spring semester when (I presume) your class will take place. That should be enough time to reteach yourself the basics.

 

[DrummingAtom]

Is it possible to take these classes in tandem and understand the material in Calc. Based Physics? I took Calc. in high school, along with Physics, but that was 6+ years ago. I have reviewed and have a good understanding of Calc. again at this point, but I would like to consider this situation as if I hypothetically had no Calc., even though that may sound strange.

I was worried about this too. I'm taking both right now and it's going well. Although, I kinda wish I took Calc 1 before Physics 1. They don't use much Calc in the class but lately I feel that I would have gotten more out of the class with more Math prior. Your situation is different than mine though, the highest class Math class I've taken before this semester was Algebra 2. I've never even taken Trig, I skipped it through the placement test. Seeing that you've seen the Math and even the Physics before I feel you'd be fine. But it's really how you feel, not me.

I'm actually taking next semester off from Physics and getting ahead in Math. From what the upper level Physics kid's have told me, Calc 3 and Physics 2 is better for success. Good luck with your decision.

 

[_Tully]

Thank you for the responses, its encouraging to see some people in a similar situation succeeding. I know it comes down to my own specific needs, but getting a reference point from other people is very helpful.

 

[lubuntu]

The Calculus use is light enough I think you will be fine. In most Intro Physics classes they keep the Calculus to a minimum because a good deal of people are taking it concurrently. If anything you'll have a head start.

 

[eliya]

I'll join everyone and say that it's fine to take them concurrently. I just finished my first quarter at a university taking Calc I and Physics I. You don't really have to calculate and derivatives or integrals in the class. It sure helps to understand these concepts, but you can do without it, and if you already took Calculus then you'll be fine.
Like my Physics professor said, Issac Newton learned Calculus along with Physics.